Evan James chose a song by his favourite artist for a high-stakes performance on The Voice: Chris Stapleton’s “Midnight Train to Memphis.” The 22-year-old Team Adam singer earned praise from Kelly Clarkson and coach Adam Levine, but the compliments did not secure his place in the live shows. His fate was left to viewers.
The performance came during the show’s first-ever Cut Week, which reduced the field from 28 contestants to 12. With 16 singers eliminated, the remaining performers had few opportunities left to make their case. James had reached this stage after winning his Battle Round against teammate Luke Curran.
Stapleton’s 2017 track, from the album From A Room: Volume 2, offered James a chance to show a different side of his voice. He said before performing that the song would let him showcase qualities he had not yet brought out on the show. The blues-inflected country-rock number also gave him a chance to take on the work of an artist he has described as his favourite.
Coaches respond
Clarkson praised James’ song choice and stage presence, along with his vocals and the way he finished the performance. She said the ending showed he wanted to fight for a place in the competition.
Levine also commended the performance, noting that he was still discovering new qualities in James’ voice, including its rasp. He praised the singer’s energy and delivery, but positive feedback from the coaches did not determine who would advance.
By the end of the Monday, November 2 episode, three Team Adam singers—Lexi Stephens, Connor Closs and Dakota Cohen—had secured places in the live shows. James was among those still waiting for a decision.
A place in the Top 13 at stake
The Cut Week twist gave viewers the chance to bring back one eliminated contestant, completing the Top 13. Voting was due to close at 3 a.m. ET on Tuesday, with the result scheduled to be announced at the start of the next episode on Monday, November 9.
That left James’ strong showing with no guaranteed outcome. Whether his take on Stapleton’s song would help keep his The Voice journey alive depended on America’s vote.
